Just bought a used Roadtrek Versatile 190. Got the Fiamma awning out, but couldn't get it to retract. Spent two nights in thunderstorms making sure no water was collecting on it. Finally talked to the Fiamma awning dealer today. First, REMOVE the center rafter (duh, duh AND DUH!). THEN, use white lithium grease on the folding arms at points where they rotate or bend (this should be done about every 6 months). LAST, if you are turning the crank and it is clicking, you are turning it the WRONG way. Ta Da!!

Thanks, Mike. Yes, it IS a learning experience - half of the fun of doing it! I was hoping others could learn from 'my' experience on this one. By the way, I really AM blonde - hence the caption - not being cynical or critical of anyone but myself. ha. How about putting a section on the B forum called "good things' - those things that B'er's and campers have found to be invaluable and definitely worth the money, as well as where to find it? Or those 'tweaks' that really work..

Location: Sarnialabad, The Newly Elected People's Republic of Canuckistan

Posts: 3,215

Re: blond camping - awning operation

What a coincidence!! I'm blond too!!! ("Arctic" blond, actually )
There are many tweaks, mods, and projects available for review on here (see the sub-category,
with the same name) ranging from simple DIY stuff we can all do ourselves, to major projects
like building a DIY custom class B conversion from scratch.
There are several other sub-sections on here that do cover some of what you've suggested
including "The Gear", "The Parts", and "The Tools", and lots of other sections with useful
info, knowledge, and experience from the members, and our forum Administrator, markopolo.

If you have a question about a specific item or issue, try the search function. It's really useful
if you have an idea of what item/keyword you want more information on.
Failing that, this works, too!!!